Gray squirrels may be hunted with shotguns statewide, .17 through .22 cal. rimfire and pellet rifles and muzzleloading rifles up to .36 cal. south of the C&D Canal. Only shotguns may be used north of the C&D Canal. When a squirrel season overlaps with a deer firearms season, squirrel hunters must wear 400 square inches of hunter orange displayed on the head, chest and back.

Cottontail Rabbit

Nov. 25 – Feb. 28

4

Rabbit hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, and back when hunting during any deer firearms season.

Ring-necked Pheasant
(Male Only)

Nov. 25 – Feb. 1

2

Pheasant hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, and back when hunting during any deer firearms season.

Bobwhite Quail

Nov. 25 – Jan. 4

6

Quail hunters must wear at least 400 square inches of hunter orange material displayed on head, chest, and back when hunting during any deer firearms season.

Hours: Upland game (except raccoons, opossums & frogs) 1/2 hr. before sunrise to 1/2 hr. after sunset. Raccoons & frogs may be hunted at night. Season for hunting on private shooting preserves is October 15 – March 31. Commercial shooting preserves may operate on Sundays during this time period.

NOTE: Small game hunting may be open on some state wildlife areas during January firearms deer seasons. Consult wildlife area maps for details.

2013-2014 Bullfrog and Snapping Turtle Seasons

SEASONS

DATES

LIMIT*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Bullfrog

May 1 – Sept. 30

24 Daily

May be taken with a valid hunting or fishing license.

Snapping Turtle*

June 15 – May 15

No limit

Snapping turtle minimum length is 11 inches on the curvature of the top shell. Traps must be tagged with trapper’s name and address or current year’s license number. Baited fish hooks are unlawful. A free snapping turtle permit number must be obtained and will be issued at the time of the trapping license purchase. Those wishing to trap on Division of Fish & Wildlife lands will need to contact the Regional Manager for an additional permit for those lands.

Diamondback Terrapin*

Sept. 1 – Nov. 15

4 Daily

No other turtles may be sold. *Contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife’s Wildlife Section with questions: 302-739-9912.

Delaware Squirrels

Sussex County hosts two species of diurnal tree squirrel: Gray and Delmarva Fox

Gray squirrels are quite common while Delmarva fox squirrels are so rare they are on the federal Endangered Species list.

If you hold a Delaware hunting license, you are permitted to hunt gray squirrels but NOT fox squirrels. Before you shoot, take a good look at the squirrel in your crosshairs!

If you have seen a Delmarva fox squirrel, please call the Species Conservation and Research office (302-735-8651) and, if you have a camera, take a picture. Thanks!

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